Taum Sauk is used primarily on a peaking basis and is put into operation when the demand for electricity is greatest. The pump storage system works much like a dam, but is usually used only to meet daily peak power demands for short periods. Water stored in an upper reservoir is released to flow through turbines and into a lower reservoir during high energy demands. Then, overnight, when the demand for electricity is low, the water is pumped back into the upper reservoir, where it is stored until needed. As water passes through the powerhouse, water spins the turbines, which drive generators to produce electricity.
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